In a stunning turn of events, Lehigh marched into Cotterell Court and handed Colgate a devastating 78-77 defeat, pulling off a monumental upset that will send shockwaves through the college basketball landscape. The Mountain Hawks, ranked 298 in the net rankings, took down the 192nd-ranked Raiders, defying expectations and dealing a significant blow to Colgate's tournament hopes.
Jalen Cox led the charge for Colgate, pouring in 22 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the heroic effort from Lehigh's Edouard Benoit. The Mountain Hawks' star forward exploded for 27 points and 11 rebounds, willing his team to victory in a game that saw multiple lead changes and dramatic twists. Benoit's performance was complemented by Hank Alvey's 20 points and 11 rebounds, as the duo formed a formidable one-two punch that Colgate struggled to contain.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Lehigh taking a 41-38 lead into halftime. The Mountain Hawks' advantage was short-lived, however, as Colgate stormed out of the gates in the second half, cutting the deficit to just one point with 10 minutes remaining. The Raiders continued to push, eventually taking a slim lead with just over 5 minutes left, but Lehigh refused to back down. Benoit and Alvey combined for 15 points in the final 5 minutes, including several clutch baskets that ultimately sealed the win for the Mountain Hawks.
The loss is a crushing blow to Colgate's tournament aspirations, as this defeat falls into the dreaded Q4 category. The Raiders, who were expected to dominate the lower-ranked Mountain Hawks, now find themselves reeling from a loss that will undoubtedly harm their resume. On the other hand, Lehigh's victory is a significant Q3 win, one that will undoubtedly boost their own tournament chances.
The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. Colgate, once considered a potential tournament contender, now faces an uphill battle to regain traction in the eyes of the selection committee. Lehigh, meanwhile, has injected new life into their season, proving that they are capable of competing with – and beating – superior opponents. As the season wears on, this victory will undoubtedly be a crucial talking point for the Mountain Hawks, a reflection of their resilience and determination. With this win, Lehigh has significantly bolstered their tournament resume, and they want to build on this momentum as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.